If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor while being incredibly simple to prepare, this Lebanese Kafta Recipe is exactly what you need. Ground meat seasoned with fragrant Lebanese 7 spice, fresh parsley, and finely grated onion comes together to create juicy, tender kafta patties or kebabs that sizzle perfectly on the grill or in a pan. Each bite offers a delicious balance of herbs, spice, and charred goodness that feels warm and welcoming—trust me, once you try this Lebanese Kafta Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential for achieving the authentic taste and texture of this Lebanese Kafta Recipe. These simple yet vibrant components each play a key role, from the aromatic spices that bring depth to the meat, to the parsley that adds a fresh, green brightness.
- Ground beef or lamb: Use fresh, quality meat for the best juicy texture and traditional flavor.
- Medium onion, finely grated: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness; squeezing out excess liquid prevents sogginess.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brightens the mixture with herbaceous notes and a splash of green color.
- Lebanese 7 spice blend: This complex spice mix is the heart of the dish, delivering warmth and aromatic depth.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, helping to balance the spices and meat.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and earthiness.
- Olive oil: Used to prevent sticking and add a subtle fruity richness during grilling or frying.
- Optional sliced tomatoes: Perfect for grilling alongside kafta, bringing juiciness and a smoky char.
How to Make Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by combining ground beef or lamb with the finely grated onion (make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid), chopped parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are well incorporated. This ensures every bite of your kafta will have an even blend of flavors and a perfect texture.
Step 2: Shape the Kafta
Once mixed, divide the meat mixture into equal portions based on your preferred serving size. You can either shape each portion into an oval patty using your hands or mold the mixture around skewers to create classic kebabs—both are perfect for grilling or pan-frying. The shape helps the kafta cook evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
Step 3: Cook the Kafta
For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill each side for about 5 minutes or until nicely charred and fully cooked through. If you prefer pan-frying, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the kafta, and cook for about 5 minutes per side until browned and juicy inside. Both methods work beautifully and deliver a delicious charred flavor.
Step 4: Optional Grilled Tomatoes
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, throw some sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking. They will soften and take on a smoky char that complements the rich kafta perfectly, adding freshness and balance to your plate.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your hot kafta alongside rice, fresh salad, or wrapped in warm flatbread. Pair with the grilled tomatoes for a delightful combination of smoky, juicy, and herbaceous flavors. This step brings everything together for a truly satisfying meal.
How to Serve Lebanese Kafta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Lebanese Kafta Recipe from everyday to special. Fresh lemon wedges squeezed over the kafta add a bright zing, while a sprinkle of chopped parsley or sumac offers a fresh and tangy touch. For an extra pop of color and texture, consider serving with pickled vegetables or a dollop of creamy tahini sauce on the side.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like fragrant rice pilaf or a fresh tabbouleh salad pair incredibly with the kafta’s bold flavors. You can also serve it with warm pita bread to make wraps, allowing you to customize each bite with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber-yogurt sauce complement the spiced meat beautifully, adding both contrast and coolness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Consider layering Lebanese Kafta Recipe into a meze platter alongside hummus, baba ganoush, and olives for a shared feast. For a casual gathering, serve the kafta skewers directly on the grill board or wooden platter lined with fresh herbs. Mini kafta sliders with garlic sauce can also be a fun twist, perfect for parties or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover kafta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain freshness, so simply reheat when ready to enjoy again without losing that juicy, flavorful bite.
Freezing
Kafta freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal option. Place cooked kafta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Frozen kafta will keep well for up to 2 months. When you need a quick dinner solution, just thaw and reheat.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Lebanese Kafta Recipe is gently on the stovetop or in the oven to keep it moist and avoid drying out. Low heat with a splash of water or olive oil can help retain juiciness. Microwaving works in a pinch but can cause the meat to become chewy, so cover the kafta while heating to lock in moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! While traditional Lebanese Kafta Recipe uses beef or lamb for their richness, ground chicken or turkey can be a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind those meats are leaner, so adding a bit of olive oil into the mixture might help maintain juiciness.
What is Lebanese 7 spice blend?
Lebanese 7 spice is a fragrant blend of warm spices typically including allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It adds a signature depth and aroma to the kafta, making it truly distinctive in flavor.
Is it important to squeeze out the onion’s liquid?
Yes, squeezing out the excess liquid from grated onion is crucial to avoid making the kafta mixture too wet. Too much moisture can make the patties fall apart or become soggy when cooking.
Can I make kafta without skewers?
Definitely! You can shape the mixture into patties or oval shapes with your hands directly and cook them on a grill pan or skillet. Skewers just add convenience for grilling kebabs and make for a nicer presentation if serving as skewers.
How spicy is the Lebanese Kafta Recipe?
The spice blend provides warmth and complexity without overpowering heat, so it’s generally mild but packed with flavor. You can always adjust the black pepper or add chili flakes if you prefer a spicier kick.
Final Thoughts
This Lebanese Kafta Recipe is one of those wonderfully approachable dishes that feels like a big hug on a plate—full of flavor, texture, and warmth. Whether you grill it for a summer barbecue or pan-fry it for a cozy weeknight dinner, it invites you to savor every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see just how effortlessly delicious homemade kafta can be!
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Lebanese Kafta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Lebanese Kafta recipe features seasoned ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh parsley and aromatic Lebanese 7 spice blend. The mixture is shaped into patties or skewers and cooked by grilling or pan-frying, resulting in flavorful, juicy meat that’s perfect served with rice, salad, or flatbread. Optionally, grilled tomatoes add a smoky, sweet accompaniment to this classic Middle Eastern dish.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lebanese 7 spice blend
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or frying)
Optional
- Sliced tomatoes for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely grated onion with the liquid squeezed out, chopped fresh parsley, Lebanese 7 spice blend, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated for uniform flavor.
- Shape the Kafta: Divide the seasoned meat mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval-shaped patty or form them around skewers if you prefer kebabs, ensuring they hold together firmly.
- Cook the Kafta – Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush each kafta with olive oil to prevent sticking and place them on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the meat is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Cook the Kafta – Pan-Frying: Alternatively, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shaped kafta and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until browned on the outside and cooked through in the center.
- Optional – Grill Tomatoes: If you like, place sliced tomatoes on the grill during the last few minutes of cooking the kafta. Grill until they are slightly charred and softened, adding a smoky flavor to your dish.
- Serve: Serve the hot kafta with sides such as rice, fresh salad, or wrapped in flatbread. Include the grilled tomatoes if prepared for a perfect traditional meal.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the grated onion for a better texture in the kafta mixture.
- Using freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the meat.
- If forming kebabs, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Lebanese 7 spice blend according to your preference.
- Kafta can be cooked on a stovetop skillet if a grill is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
